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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A symbol in sheet music a direction to play energetically.






2. A composition whose style is simple and idyllic; suggestive of rural scenes.






3. A style of male singing where by partial use of the vocal chords - the voice is able to reach the pitch of a female.






4. 3 or 4 notes played simultaneously in harmony.






5. A canon where the melody is sung in two or more voices. After the first voice begins - the next voice starts singing after a couple of measures are played in the preceding voice. All parts repeat continuously.






6. The interval between two notes. Three whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






7. The principal note of a triad.






8. A quick 20th century dance written in double time.






9. Sliding between two notes.






10. A form of music written for marching in two-step time. Originally the march was used for military processions.






11. Convenient method of numbering a composer's works where a number follows the word 'opus'.For example - Opus 28 - No. 4.






12. The piece of cane in wind instruments. The players cause vibrations by blowing through it in order to produce sound.






13. Suite of Baroque dances.






14. A set of seven musicians who perform a composition written for seven parts.






15. The performance of either all instruments of an orchestra or voices in a chorus.






16. Two or more voices or instruments playing the same note simultaneously.






17. A composition written for three to six voices. Beginning with the exposition - each voice enters at different times - creating counterpoint with one another.






18. A style of singing which is characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition.






19. A composition whose style is simple and idyllic; suggestive of rural scenes.






20. A repeated phrase.






21. A composition written for a solo instrument. The soloist plays the melody while the orchestra plays the accompaniment.






22. Time in music history ranging from the middle of the 16th to the middle of the 17th centuries. Characterized by emotional - flowery music; written in strict form.






23. Arranging a piece of music for an orchestra. Also - the study of music.






24. One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo - phrasing - dynamics - and style by gestures and facial expressions.






25. Pertaining to the loudness or softness of a musical composition. Also the symbols in sheet music indicating volume.






26. The study of forms - history - science - and methods of music.






27. One of two or more parts in polyphonic music. Voice refers to instrumental parts as well as the singing voice.






28. Vocal composition written for three or more solo parts - usually without instrumental accompaniment.






29. Creating variation pitch in a note by quickly alternating between notes.






30. A short piece originally preceded by a more substantial work - also an orchestral introduction to opera - however not lengthy enough to be considered an overture.






31. Two or three melodic lines played at the same time.






32. A whole note is equal to 2 half notes - 4 quarter notes - 8 eighth notes - etc.






33. A piece of music played at the end of a recital responding to the audiences enthusiastic reaction to the performance - shown by continuous applause.






34. Arrangement of music for a combined number of instruments.






35. The opening section of a piece of music or movement.






36. In sheet music - an instruction to repeat the beginning of the piece before stopping on the final chord.






37. A separate section of a larger composition.






38. A rhythmic succession of musical tones - a melody for instruments and voices.






39. A contrapuntal song written for at least three voices - usually without accompaniment.






40. Music of a particular form consisting of four movements. Each of the movements differ in tempo - rhythm - and melody; but are held together by subject and style.






41. A set of six musicians who perform a composition written for six parts.






42. To hold a tone or rest held beyond the written value at the discretion of the performer.






43. A sequence of chords that brings an end to a phrase - either in the middle or the end of a composition.






44. A set of four musicians who perform a composition written for four parts.






45. Harsh - discordant - and lack of harmony. Also a chord that sounds incomplete until it resolves itself on a harmonious chord.






46. Often used in overtures - a composition that uses passages from other movements of the composition in its entirety.






47. A curve over notes to indicate that a phrase is to be played legato.






48. A short piece originally preceded by a more substantial work - also an orchestral introduction to opera - however not lengthy enough to be considered an overture.






49. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played very slow and serious.






50. The tonal characteristics determined by the relationship of the notes to the tone.







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